Dairy products have been a key part of our diets for centuries. They give us important nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamins. But, how much dairy we eat varies a lot around the world. This is because of our eating habits, cultural tastes, and farming practices.
According to FAO data from 2022, the biggest dairy eaters are mostly in Europe. But, some countries in Asia and the Middle East also make the list.
Top 20 Countries by Annual Per Capita Dairy Consumption (2022)
| Rank | Country | Consumption (kg per capita) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🇩🇰 Denmark | 395.68 |
| 2 | 🇲🇪 Montenegro | 394.58 |
| 3 | 🇪🇪 Estonia | 324.38 |
| 4 | 🇮🇪 Ireland | 310.22 |
| 5 | 🇨🇭 Switzerland | 305.74 |
| 6 | 🇦🇱 Albania | 297.89 |
| 7 | 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan | 283.76 |
| 8 | 🇲🇹 Malta | 281.42 |
| 9 | 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 269.19 |
| 10 | 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan | 261.44 |
| 11 | 🇱🇹 Lithuania | 260.28 |
| 12 | 🇫🇷 France | 257.50 |
| 13 | 🇫🇮 Finland | 257.46 |
| 14 | 🇴🇲 Oman | 243.75 |
| 15 | 🇦🇲 Armenia | 241.05 |
| 16 | 🇲🇳 Mongolia | 240.83 |
| 17 | 🇸🇻 El Salvador | 236.64 |
| 18 | 🇧🇭 Bahrain | 235.52 |
| 19 | 🇬🇷 Greece | 232.13 |
| 20 | 🇱🇺 Luxembourg | 230.53 |
Top Dairy Consumers in the World
- Denmark – 395.68 kg per capita
Denmark leads with the most dairy eaten per person. This is thanks to its big dairy industry and love for milk, cheese, and yogurt. - Montenegro – 394.58 kg per capita
Right after Denmark, Montenegro eats a lot of dairy. This is because of its traditional Balkan food, which often includes cheese and milk-based treats. - Estonia – 324.38 kg per capita
Estonia, a Baltic country, also eats a lot of dairy. They mainly enjoy milk and local cheeses. - Ireland – 310.22 kg per capita
Ireland is famous for its dairy exports, like butter and cheese. Locals also eat a lot of these products. - Switzerland – 305.74 kg per capita
Switzerland is known for its cheese, like Emmental and Gruyère. So, it’s no surprise they eat a lot of dairy.
Other countries like Albania (297.89 kg), Kazakhstan (283.76 kg), and Malta (281.42 kg) also eat a lot of dairy. This shows dairy is important not just in Europe but also in Central Asia and the Mediterranean.
Dairy Consumption Beyond Europe
While Europe is the biggest dairy eater, some non-European countries also stand out:
- Kazakhstan (283.76 kg per capita) – Dairy, especially fermented milk drinks, is a big part of Kazakh food.
- Uzbekistan (261.44 kg per capita) – Like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan loves its milk and dairy products.
- Oman (243.75 kg per capita) – Dairy in Oman comes from both local and imported sources, meeting different tastes.
- Mongolia (240.83 kg per capita) – Mongolians eat a lot of dairy, especially fermented horse milk (airag), a traditional drink.
- Bahrain (235.52 kg per capita) – Despite the heat, Bahrainis enjoy dairy, especially in breakfasts and desserts.
What Drives High Dairy Consumption?
- Cultural Influence – Countries with a long history of dairy farming, like Denmark and Switzerland, have made dairy a big part of their food culture.
- Climate and Agriculture – Europe’s cooler weather is great for dairy farming, making more dairy available and eaten.
- Nutritional Preferences – Many top dairy-eating nations use milk and cheese for key nutrients, shaping their diets.
Conclusion
The annual per capita consumption of dairy shows interesting differences around the world. European countries are at the top, but Central Asia and the Middle East also love their dairy. With new dairy alternatives popping up, how we eat might change. But for now, dairy is still a big part of many diets.
📌 Sources:
- FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization
- World Dairy Industry Reports
- Local Agricultural Data from Leading Dairy-Producing Nations
